Effects of word prime repetition treatment on anomia

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Abstract

Repetition priming involving masked primes has been suggested as a method for targeting implicit lexical retrieval processes to facilitate improved word retrieval for individuals with aphasia and anomia. This study was designed to investigate repeated use of explicit repetition priming as an alternative method to implicitly target lexical retrieval in individuals with anomia due to aphasia. A single-subject design was used in a case study with an individual with aphasia. Training involved repeated exposure to identity primes or sham primes paired with pictures. Analyses assessed treatment effects, generalization to untrained items, and effects on broader language skills, immediately and three months post-treatment. The participant improved in naming trained items immediately after treatment. Improvements were greater for primed items than for unprimed items. Generalization within and across semantic categories was mixed. Generalization to broader language skills was noted for overall naming ability and the participant’s ability to read aloud. Repetition priming treatment may improve naming and broader language skills for individuals with anomia.